Rank
Pros
Cons
What's New for 2025?
Last year's base trim has been eliminated, which means this year's Ascent starts about $4k higher at the Premium trim level. You can spruce up the styling with a new Bronze Edition, adding bronze-colored wheels and accents throughout, while a new Onyx Edition Touring also joins the roster for 2025.
FAST FACTS
"The Ascent is a somewhat nontraditional three-row SUV, but what else would you expect from Subaru? It's shorter than some rivals and has a more cramped third-row seat, but on the bright side, its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and AWD system give it a spunky feel, even if its acceleration isn't notably quick. We can't help liking the Ascent despite its shortcomings on paper, but there are certainly more spacious and versatile choices."—Ranked #13 out of 15 Midsize 3-Row SUVs
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. There's only one standalone version of the 2025 Subaru Ascent, and here it is, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
The refreshingly simple Ascent offers just this one powertrain, although there some nuances to be aware of. The fuel economy figures we've listed are for the Premium trim only with its 18-inch wheels, which are the smallest in the lineup. If you spring for the Onyx Edition, Limited or Touring trim, you'll get a set of 20s that lowers the fuel economy by a single tick to 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway). Also, note that there are both eight-passenger and seven-passenger versions of the Ascent — and if you want the eight-passenger layout, you're restricted to either the base Premium trim or the midgrade Limited. Having said all that, it's pretty cool that you can get an eight-passenger turbocharged AWD SUV for about $40k, isn't it? We said the same thing last year, except it was "less than $35k," but Subaru deleted last year's base trim for 2025, which explains the substantial increase in the model's starting price.
The 2025 Ascent is offered in just one mechanical configuration. Hit the link or button to read our editorial summary and see detailed specs.
| Version | Price | Fuel | MPG | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Subaru Ascent 2.4T All-Wheel Drive | $39,995 | Gas | 22 | 260 hp | 277 lb-ft |
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
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